Match package



Dec. 2, 1941. LINKER 2,264,476

MATCH PACKAGE Filed Dec. 20, 1938 INVENTOR. ABKAH/IM 15. L/NKER ATTORNEY.

Patented Dec. 2, 1941 FATENT OFFICE 2 Claims.

This invention relates to match packages and in particular to the formation and arrangement of the matches within the package whereby a compact package can be made and from which the matches can be removed without trouble.

A particular object of the invention in the form illustrated is to provide a package for wood matches in which the match sticks are glued in place at spaced points so that they can be twisted loose without much efiort and in which package they are maintained in spaced relation with each other to reduce fire hazard and also the covering means being of maximum area aiiords ample space for advertising matter printed on said cover.

A still further object of the invention is to arrange the matches at opposite insides of the covers so that the package will close flat and be compact, yet ready for instant use and permit ready withdrawal of the matches as needed. A further object is to provide a novel arrangement of triangular shaped matches in the cover so that a fiat package is provided, means being employed in holding the matches in the cover which will not materially increase the bulk of the package.

Changes and variations may be made in the constructions shown and described without departing from the principles of the invention or sacrificing its chief advantages; hence the invention is not to be limited to the precise construction shown in the drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a match book open to show the arrangement of triangular shaped matches to form a fiat package when closed,

Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of one match showing how it may be held in place in the cover of the package illustrated in Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 showing an alternate form of match attaching means,

Figure 4 is a greatly enlarged section taken through a fragment of a closed match book made in the manner indicated in Figures 1 and 2 showing the compact package aiiorded by the construction,

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 showing the modified holding means illustrated in Figure 3.

Referring to the drawing in detail a match book is illustrated as made from a single piece cover H which is foldable across its middle to provide opposite side covers. The matches are of wood or other suitable material and are held in the cover I l by glue spots l6 which secure the matches to said cover. These glue spots are so arranged that they hold one side of a match to one side cover as illustrated in Figure 3. In the latter instance the match is triangular in shape as at H, so that when the opposite sides of the cover are closed, the matches closely interfit to provide a compact arrangement.

The arrangement of the matches (Figure 1) is such that the heads point in one direction when the package is open, but when folded, the heads point in opposite directions and the heads of alternate matches are separated by the wood of the shank of the adjacent match and thus the heads are out of contact and accidental ignition is avoided. In another method of holding the triangular shaped matches to the cover, I employ straps H) which are struck up from the body of the cover and beneath which the match is held. The straps H! are arranged in rows 20 and 2| which are unaligned when the book is closed so that they will not meet and form a bulky spot in the closed book package. In the use of the glue spots IS, the matches practically touch each other when the book is closed, but the heads of the matches being alternately opposite, a package is provided which holds a maximum number of matches and also eliminates the fire hazard.

My invention is not to be restricted to the precise details of construction shown since various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing the advantages derived from its use.

What I claim is:

1. In a match book, in combination, a cover foldable to present opposed side portions, triangular shaped matches attached to said side portions with the heads thereof extending in one direction when the book is open, and the matches at one side portion being staggered relatively to the matches of the other side portion whereby when the sides are closed, to form a book, the matches interfit, and present flat sides.

2. In a match book, in combination, a cover presenting opposed sides, matches of triangular shape in cross section on the opposed sides, glue spots for detachably holding the matches to said sides, the heads of the matches extending in one direction when the book is open, and the matches being arranged for interfitting relation when the book is closed so that the heads of adjacent matches are in opposite directions, and the bodies of the matches presenting fiat sides.

* ABRAHAM B. LINKER. 

